Executive Master in Sustainable Leadership

Read about Eva’s motivation and takeaways – and how she transformed deep industry expertise into meaningful sustainable impact through DTU’s Executive Master in Sustainable Leadership.

What was your professional background before joining the Executive Master in Sustainable Leadership programme?

I originally trained as an architect, a construction economist and a LEED BD+C Accredited Professional – and have been working with sustainability in the Built Environment for quite a while. At the time I joined the MSL programme, I was an Associate at BIG, where I was part of the Sustainability Committee and led our work with the EU’s new CSRD requirements. But I felt increasingly that I lacked the tools to move from project-based fixes to actual positive change.

Why did you decide to pursue the Executive Master in Sustainable Leadership at DTU?

After 25+ years in the industry, I felt an urgent need to become a part of the solution, rather than the problem. I had a solid understanding of sustainability in my field – but I also felt insecure in how to deal with the complexity of the bigger picture. How do you lead and facilitate an organizational change – a change that most agree on, but few have the knowledge or tools to implement? How do I create real-world, practical, actional impact? I chose to apply to the DTU Executive Master in Sustainable Leadership because it seemed both practical and visionary – with a focus on connecting sustainable goals with business realities and organizational dynamics.

What surprised you the most during your studies?

To be honest, at first I was a bit overwhelmed. The sustainability agenda touches everything – and it can feel like too much – in everything you do. But then I became more hopeful and optimistic. By gaining a better understanding of the theory, insights into the latest research and access to field experts across the world, a way forward within the complexities of the transition became clearer. There are so many people out there trying to make things better – researchers, practitioners, and fellow students working hard to push things forward, both systemically and hands-on, and it’s contagious.

“The programme brought together brilliant and passionate people from all over the world. That feeling of community and shared goals was an unexpected gift.”

How has the programme influenced the way you lead today?

You can’t unsee what you’ve seen. While we all wrote our thesis based on real-world challenges in our organizations, mine became the start of a new company. My thesis explored how decision makers in the Built Environment can make informed, early-stage decisions to maximize sustainable impact, while reducing cost and risk. As part of this work, I developed and tested a well-received innovation facilitation tool for early sustainability integration. Recently, I founded SpringWorks, a strategic sustainability consultancy focusing on the Built Environment – based on both my 25+ years in the industry and the new insights I gained in the Master in Sustainable Leadership programme and the thesis work. The programme gave me the courage to do what I had been thinking about for years.

“This experience gave me clarity to see my own values and leadership strengths more clearly – and the courage to act on them.”

What would you say to someone thinking about applying?

It is a big commitment to study while working full time. But for me, it didn’t feel like a sacrifice. You learn so much, you meet people who challenge and support you, and you come out of it with a broader perspective and a sharper focus. If you’re passionate about making a difference – and ready to rethink how you work – I’d say go for it.

Ready to turn your sustainability passion into real-world impact? Discover how DTU’s Executive Master in Sustainable Leadership can transform your career.

Read more about our Executive Master In Sustainable leadership here.

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